African Trade Beads Jewelry

Discover the rich history and cultural significance of European made African Trade Beads. Learn about the intricate designs and patterns of these beautiful handcrafted beads, and add a touch of ethnic and historical charm to your jewelry collection. Beginning in the 14th Century, explorers began trading these beads in South Africa for safe passage through the lands, and later for commodities (like oil, fur and spices) from the native tribes. In the late 16th through the late 18th century the Venetian Millefiori style beads were important to the slave trade - as ballast for out going ships and as currency for the purchase of souls